The Foster Family

By: Jaime Samms

Narrated by: Greg Tremblay

Length: 11 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Growing up in foster care has left Kerry Grey with little self-esteem or hope for his future. A college dropout, Kerry scrapes by on a part-time job at a garden nursery. His friendship with his boss and working with the plants are the only high points in Kerry's life. He's been dating the man who bullied him at school, but when his boyfriend abandons him at a party, Kerry wanders down the beach to drown his sorrows in a bottle of scotch.

Malcolm Holmes and Charlie Stone have been together for 15 years. Despite Charlie's willingness to accept Malcolm's unspoken domination in bed, something is missing from their relationship. Early one morning, they rescue a passed-out Kerry from being washed away by the tide, and Charlie immediately senses a kindred spirit in the lost younger man. When Kerry's roommate kicks him out, Malcolm and Charlie invite him into their home. As Charlie and Kerry bond over Charlie's garden, Malcolm sees Kerry may be just who they have been looking for to complete their lives. All they have to do is show Kerry, and each other, that Kerry's submissive tendencies will fit their dynamic.

But someone is sabotaging Kerry at every turn. As he struggles to discover the culprit, he fears for the safety of his new friends. If Malcolm and Charlie cannot help, their lifelong search for their perfect third may not end with the happily ever after they imagined.

©2014 Jamie Samms (P)2014 Dreamspinner Press

had this title 72 hours and read it twice

I'll probably have it go a 3rd time too. it's a really great story. lots of problems that they have to fix, but they do it's great.

Liked the storyline

I bought this because someone Who loved one of my favorite m/m romances Said that this would be a close second. And i did like the story but i just didnt Seem to feel for the MCs so the story just became a potential good story Line with sort of a hollow feeling of not really connecting with the characters. A shame really and it migth be just the mood i was in while listening. But anyway thats the Reason for the average recommendation from me - the storys inabillity to generate empathy. And greg did a fine job narrating but somehow Also just average compared to his other narrations.

Unexpected story line and character developement

What made the experience of listening to The Foster Family the most enjoyable?

The realization that this story had greater depth and emotional development than I expected.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Foster Family?

When I realized that Malcolm and Charlie had also come from foster families and they were in a position to understand and support Kerry with his lack of self esteem and fears of abandonment.

What about Greg Tremblay’s performance did you like?

Greg Tremblay is an incredible narrator and actor. His character portrayals are superb. I actually search out books narrated by him because I know they will delightful to listen to.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I could not put this book down. I related to the characters in a very personal way. I felt great emotion in finding how the characters solved each of the emotional scars left by foster care.

Any additional comments?

This book has so many levels. I expected a gay romance novel and was surprised to find that sex, although present at appropriate places in the story, was not offered gratuitously, but rather as a very important part of the emotional evolution of each character. In addition, the book explores poly amorous relationships in a very positive way.

So much angst and some sweetness

What did you love best about The Foster Family?

The characters and relationships were all portrayed in a very realistic way, in fact, so much so that I would say this reads much more like literary fiction with sexy bits than the romance I was expecting. That might not be everyone's cup of tea, but to me, it was a very good thing.

What about Greg Tremblay’s performance did you like?

Captures the emotional content of the story without being at all over done. The voices of all the main characters felt very real and distinct. One of the best audio performances I've encountered to date.

Anti-climatic ending

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Yeah, the ending.

What was most disappointing about Jaime Samms’s story?

Again, the ending. After everything that happened in the book, how Malcolm and Charlie fought so hard to help Kerry learn he was worth it, the ending was a huge let down for me.

Have you listened to any of Greg Tremblay’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, his performance here was fantastic as always. No issue with narration, my issue is with the last third of the book/story.

Was The Foster Family worth the listening time?

Nope.

I loved this book.

This book teaches some good lessons, and is easy to understand. I could feel all of the love between all three of them. I am sure I will be reading this book over and over. Thanks!

Great Story.

Very Easy To Listen To & Enjoyable To Keep You Wanting To Listen. I Liked It.

interesting

over all, a little too much angst for my taste. well read, though. I look forward to another

Complex & Sexy

A fresh, complex sexy and neve racking snap shot! Worth the listen. A depth of characters not experienced in quite a while.

family

loved the narration. Fell in love with Malcoms voice. Not an overly sexual story. Lots of emotion. Very much a story of growing up and finding family. Will be following both the author and narrator after this.